It Can’t Happen Here!

Timothy Snyder, Housum Professor of History at Yale University, is one of the foremost scholars in the U.S. He wrote a book, “On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the 20^th Century”.

After the November election, Snyder wrote a profile of Hitler, a short piece that made no direct comparisons to any contemporary figure. But reading the facts of the historical case alarmed most readers. Snyder admits that history doesn’t actually repeat itself. But we’re far too quick, he says, to dismiss that idea as a cliché “and not think about history at all. History shows a range of possibilities.” Similar events occur across time under similar kinds of conditions. And it is, of course, possible to learn from the past.

Rather than making a historical case for viewing the U.S. as exactly like one of the totalitarian regimes of WWII Europe, Snyder presents 20 lessons we might learn from those

times and use creatively in our own where they apply. The following suggestions would make us wiser, more self-aware, proactive, responsible citizens, whatever lies ahead.

1.         Do not obey in advance

            Much of the power of authoritarianism is freely given. Anticipatory obedience teaches authorities what is possible and accelerates unfreedom.

2.         Defend an institution

            Follow the courts or the media, or a court or a newspaper. Do not speak of “our institutions” unless you are making them yours by acting on their behalf. Institutions don’t protect themselves. They go down like dominoes unless each is defended from the beginning.

3.         Recall professional ethics

            When the leaders of state set a negative example, professional commitments to just practice become much more important. It is hard to break a rule of law state without lawyers, and it is hard to have show trials without judges. And it is hard to have a real trial without evidence or witness.

4.         When listening to politicians, distinguish certain words

            Look out for the expansive use of “terrorism” and “extremism.” Be alive to the fatal notions of “exception” and “emergency.” Be angry about the treacherous use of patriotic vocabulary.

5.         Be calm when the unthinkable arrives

When the terrorist attack comes, remember that all authoritarians at all times either await or plan such events in order to consolidate power.

6.         Be kind to our language

            Avoid pronouncing the phrases everyone else does. Think up your own way of speaking, even if only to convey that thing you think everyone is saying.

7.         Stand out

            Someone has to. It is easy, in words and deeds, to follow along. It can feel strange to do or say something different. But without that unease, there is no freedom. And the moment you set an example, the spell of the status quo is broken, and others will follow.

8.         Believe in truth

To abandon facts is to abandon freedom. If nothing is true, then no one can criticize power, because there is no basis upon which to do so. If nothing is true, then all is spectacle.

9.         Investigate

            Figure things out for yourself. Spend more time with long articles. Subsidize  investigative journalism by subscribing to print media. Realize that some of what is on your screen is there to harm you. Learn about sites that investigate foreign propaganda pushes.

10.       Practice corporeal politics

            Power wants your body softening in your chair and your emotions dissipating on the screen. Get outside. Put your body in unfamiliar places with unfamiliar people. Make new friends and march with them.

           

11.       Make eye contact and small talk

            This is not just polite. It is a way to stay in touch with your surroundings, break down unnecessary social barriers, and come to understand whom you should and should not trust.

12.       Take responsibility for the face of the world

Notice the swastikas and the other signs of hate. Do not look away and do not get used to them. Remove them yourself and set an example for others to do so.

13.       Hinder the one-party state

            The parties that took over states were once something else. They exploited a historical moment to make political life impossible for their rivals. Vote in local and state elections while you can.

14.       Give regularly to good causes, if you can

            Pick a charity and set up autopay. Then you will know that you have made a free choice that is supporting civil society helping others doing something good.

15.       Establish a private life

            Nastier rulers will use what they know about you to push you around. Scrub your computer of malware. Have personal exchanges in person. For the same reason, resolve any legal trouble. Authoritarianism works as a blackmail state, looking for the hook on which to hang you. Try not to have too many hooks.

16.       Learn from others in other countries

            Keep up your friendships abroad, or make new friends abroad.. And no country is going to find a solution by itself. Make sure you and your family have passports.

17.       Watch out for the paramilitaries

            When the men with guns who have always claimed to be against the system start wearing uniforms and marching around with torches and pictures of a Leader, the end is nigh.

18.       Be reflective if you must be armed

If you carry a weapon in public service, God bless you and keep you. But know that evils of the past involved policemen and soldiers finding themselves, one day, doing irregular things. Be ready to say no.

19.       Be as courageous as you can

            If none of us is prepared to die for freedom, then all of us will die in unfreedom.

20.       Be a patriot

            The current president is not. Set a good example of what America means for the generations to come. They will need it.

This may be about America but could apply to any nation on earth! Stay blessed!

P.S.     When I wrote this piece I had no inkling of the night of 23^rd February or the day of 24^th  February.

            Malaysians voted in a PH government. But a couple of men want to bring back the “tainted” to power. Greed, power and position can mesmerize men (and some women). It cannot be right for a “backdoor” government to rule. The cost of this is an economic catastrophe. May God have mercy on us and give our Agong the wisdom to do what is right. God Bless Malaysia!

Reference:

20 lessons from 20^th century about how to defend democracy from authoritarianism, according to Yale Historian Timothy Snyder ( http://www.openculture.com)